Animal Surrender

Surrendering Your Pet

We are open for pet surrender Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to
5:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The shelter is closed on
Sundays and holidays.

As the only open-intake shelter in Rutherford County, we are required to accept any domestic animal from a Rutherford County resident. This means, we accept upwards to 60 animals a day. Various factors are used to determine adoptability such as temperament, health, and facility space.

Is there Any Way to Keep Him or Her?

Below are many of the
reasons that people choose to give up their pet. Many of these do have
solutions and we encourage you to do everything possible to accommodate
your pet or the stray into your household. If you need advice from us,
please call us before you are to the point of total frustration.

Rental problems
Find
a situation that allows pets. There are plenty of landlords who do
allow pets. Take the time to find them. And if you're worried about a
pet deposit, just think of this: what's worth more to you, a few
fast-food meals or the life of a loyal friend?

Allergies
Visit
your doctor to find out if your allergies can be controlled through
medication and/or diet. If medications do not help you entirely, then
try these solutions: Allerpet/D, available in many pet stores and by
mail order. Apply to pet's fur using washcloth once a week. It
neutralizes the dander. Nature's Miracle works in a similar manner. Cats
can be bathed in distilled water to remove their allergens. Talk with
your veterinarian about these and other solutions to the allergy
problem.

Unruly behavior
In most
cases, the problems are quite solvable if you make a little effort. An
animal is like a child. Set no boundaries, ignore him, give her nothing
to do, teach him nothing...the child will not be well-adjusted and will
not learn to behave. It is up to you to teach your animal kindly and
consistently what is expected of him or her. Take obedience classes
(contact local adult education centers and recreation centers, ask
neighbors). Read a book. Practice frequently, with kindness and
consistency. Most animals know how to act, we humans need to be trained
in how to interact with our animals. Do not leave your items where your
animal can eat them - it isn't the cat's/dog's fault if he/she can't
distinguish between the blanket you have let him chew on in his crate
and your favorite clothing. Consistency is the key. Positive
reinforcement works faster than negative reinforcement.

Destructive behavior/house soiling/barking
Does
your dog destroy things when you leave? Does your dog pee/poop in the
house? Use a crate when you leave the dog alone. Crates have been proven
over and over to be effective. A crate is worth every penny. Some
people believe them to be cruel, but it is a naturally tendency for your
dog to have a small sleeping area, a den. It is kinder than sending
your dog away. If your dog is barking excessively, you need obedience
instruction. Consider a trip to the vet. A medical problem can result
in sudden behavior changes.

Shows Aggression
You
need obedience training and assistance. Remember: cats and dogs, like
children, learn what they are taught. What caused the behavior? Does
someone in your home rough-house with the animal? Play tug-of-war? Yell
at the animal? Yell at other people or act violent? Does a child poke,
tease or torment the animal? Or do you basically ignore the animal
unless you're scolding or punishing him? Try to think about how your
animal learned aggressive behavior, and find out proper techniques for
eradicating it. If your pet is playing rough, you must stop the play and
walk away. Spend quality time playing with the pet with appropriate
toys. Consider a trip to the vet. But remember, this aggression did not
appear overnight, so the solution will not fix the problem
immediately. You must give your friend time to relearn appropriate
behavior. A medical problem can result in sudden behavior changes.

Litter Box accidents
How
often do you clean out the box? Is the box in a high traffic area? Have
you added additional cats without adding additional boxes? Have you
changed brands of litter? All of these might cause litterbox accidents.
If there have been no household changes to trigger this behavior, a trip
to the vet is in order. Your cat may have feline lower urinary tract
disease (cystitis) and needs treatment immediately - do not delay - your
cat could die if he or she has this disease and is not treated.

Claws Furniture
Have
you provided your cat with appropriate surfaces (cardboard, sisal or
carpeted cat scratching boards, trees)? Do you trim your cat's claws on a
regular basis? The key is to make the scratching post more interesting
than furniture - invest in good quality posts and treat the post with
catnip. Cover furniture with throws to protect them during the training
period. Use double-faced tape on edges of things kitty climbs on or
scratches. Use furniture corner covers which can be bought at pet
stores. Is your furniture really worth more than the life of a living,
breathing being?

Your Decision
Before
you make your decision--and it is your decision; your animal has no
say--think one last time what you can do to maintain your friend,
companion animal in your home.

Still thinking of giving up your pet?
If
you believe you must find a new home for your companion animal or the
stray you found, then you must be prepared to spend time and effort to
do right by your friend. You once made a commitment to care for this
living, breathing, feeling animal. It is worth every hour you spend to
find him or her a decent home. Do not offer "free" pets; charge a small
adoption to ensure they go to a good home. You will sleep better at
night.